The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 555

When Herman and Anastasia split, Gianna had secretly rejoiced. Now, that satisfaction had twisted into seething anger.

"What's got you all riled up?"

Colton walked in, catching sight of Gianna's murderous glare. He felt a shiver run down his spine: "Gianna."

At the sound of his voice, her fury ebbed a bit: "Dad."

Colton sat beside her, his voice gentle and full of concern: "What's done is done. You've got a whole life ahead of you. Living well is what truly matters. You've still got your mom and me."

He knew his daughter's heart was aching and hoped to guide her away from the bitterness that had taken hold.

Harboring hate could rot the heart, and that was far worse than any physical scar.

"Dad, it's too much. Look at me. How can I face anyone again?" Gianna's voice was hoarse with emotion, her face in her hands as tears blurred her vision. "All those who used to fawn over me have vanished."

"Who needs the insincere? Gianna, your parents will always be by your side. I hope you can let go of your resentment. That's the only way you'll find happiness, or else you'll be trapped in this pain forever."

Colton was patient and persistent, trying to impart a different set of values compared to Cynthia's. He didn't want Gianna to be so fiercely competitive.

He took her hand, "I know how important looks can be to a girl, but there's something far more valuable."

Her curiosity piqued, "What's that?"

"A confident, kind heart." Colton continued, "Get your head in the right place, and you can overcome anything. I've asked a friend to find the best dermatologist for your treatment. Even if we can't restore everything, we can make a significant improvement."

Colton was sowing seeds of hope for the future.

Gianna was listening, reflecting on her past actions.

Colton seized the moment, "You've always been outstanding in my eyes, my pride and joy. I believe you'll come around and let go of the hatred, right?"

Gianna fell into a deep silence.

"What nonsense are you filling Gianna's head with now?" Cynthia appeared, disapproving of Colton's approach. "Gianna, don’t listen to your dad. You're too good to let others take all the good fortune. We can't admit defeat."

Colton frowned, frustrated: "Cynthia, all your life's competitiveness... Are you wanting our daughter to follow in your footsteps? Look at you; what has all this fighting gotten you? Take Salma, for instance. You've always wanted to outdo her. Have you ever managed that? She never even cared, just focused on her life, and now she's living the good life."

To Cynthia, this was an insinuation that she was inferior to Salma in every way.